Edith Murphy

Edith Verne Murphy 1921 - 2010 California native and 63year Redwood City resident, Edith (Edi) died at home at Woodside Terrace surrounded by family on Sunday, December 5, 2010 of complications from cancer. Her last weeks were filled with loving visits with those whom she held close. She was the strong link in her family's lives that will never be forgotten. Her sense of independence, laughter and caring will forever be with all those she touched. Born in San Francisco on August 18, 1921 to Emma and Alfred Taylor and younger sister to Alice, Edith grew up in a family of close cousins. She graduated Jefferson High School and attended San Francisco State and Hazel Bishop business school before she met and married Richard ("Dick") Brendan Murphy. Married for 29 years until his death in 1976, they raised their family of 3 girls in Redwood City where Edith was active in the Women's Club and Mt. Carmel Catholic Church and School and known by many for her homemade cookies. She hosted young Taiwanese in her strong support of the Jesuit Missions. In the 70's, she was an invaluable resource as she guided adults through the G.E.D. process for San Mateo County Dept. of Education and later volunteered with Project Read as well as Allied Arts Guild and St. Francis Center. She loved to dance in the Lobby of the St. Francis Hotel in her youth, at the parties she hosted in her home and at her daughters' weddings. At the mere sound of twinkling ivories or a cool saxophone, those toes of hers started bopping. And she took anyone with her along for the ride. Her last days were filled with the music of Glenn Miller and a joy washed over her face. This passion was only surpassed by her dedication to her beloved Giants and 49ers. Weeks before her passing she was wheeled onto the sidelines of her grandson, Will's high school football game. She enjoyed traveling and was particularly fond of riverboat cruising and any trips that included golf. Edith remained an avid Bridge and card player until mere days before her death. Edi was a friend extraordinaire with great generosity of spirit. While keeping a bounty of friends from years back, she made an amazing number of new, fast friends wherever her life took her. She gave her all and joyfully so. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her sister, Alice, and her infant daughter, Susan, in addition to her husband Dick. Edith is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Jody & Jim (Virginia), Cathy and Jared (San Carlos), and Mary Ann and Jim (Redwood City). She was filled with immense pride in her grandchildren who survive her: Garrin, Brendan, Brian, Will, Taylor and Emma and her 7 great-grand children. A memorial mass will be held at St. Pius Church in Redwood City on December 20 at 11:00, reception following. It was Edith's wish that memorial contributions be sent to California Province of the Society of Jesus, 300 College Ave., Los Gatos CA 95030 to benefit the work of Fr. Daniel Ross with children in Southeast Asia. We wish Edith well on her "Sentimental Journey Home" and pray that her "heart is at ease."